With every step, I struggled to hold in my rage. I was going to beat this brat the same way his sister did to Sara.

“Both contenders are now on the stage. Ready to duke it down! If Royal Prep gets another win. This tournament will move into a round of sudden death. Can Royal Prep Academy make a comeback and take this round into sudden death? Right now Xanxus Academy is in the lead with 2 wins but if Royal prep can win this round, they will be one step closer to win this year’s tournaments!” the presenter’s voice echoed in the stadium.

The sickening sound of the crowd thundered into my poor eardrums as I walked into the arena. Unfortunately, the first thing I saw was the smirking face of Prince Brad, Jade’s brother, who was standing with his legs shoulder width apart and arms crossed. The cocky little brat forgot the beating I gave him so I guess I’d just have to remind him… but this time, I’d make sure he remembered every second.

My surroundings became a blur and the colour around me turned grey. The only thing in my vision was Brad. My target. I stepped onto the ‘x’ marking my starting position. The faded sounds of beeping drowned out into the background. It sounded like I was underwater and all I could hear was the movement of the water and the distant blurry murmurs of people.

“Begin!”

Brad charged at me with his useless light magic unsheathing his Excalibur, then stopped midway and retreated, his face wide in shock. He switched to a defensive stance and waited for me to make a move.

[You have used Bloodlust]

[Bloodlust is extremely effective]

I said no words as my expressionless face said plenty. He was going to die and he knew it. I advanced forward slowly, peering into his soul with my cold eyes. With every step, the mana in the atmosphere vibrated and ice formed behind me like a trail.

I conjured ice spears and hurled them at him, but he dodged them by weaving and running in a zigzag motion. Using his light mana, he closed the gap between us in a split second and a slash ringed past my ears, as I instinctively dodged. Momentarily, I became shocked by his drastic speed but reciprocated his attempt to kill by coating my arm in ice mana and grabbing onto his neck.

His body remained limp in the air, unable to move as the ice mana from my hand was infesting his bloodstream. This technique had a tranquiliser effect, great for what I was about to do next.

I threw his body to the ground, slamming him hard into the concrete. A large crack formed under him as I pounced on top of him and punched his face down with a hammer fist. My continuous barrage of punches left his face bloody and unrecognizable and for the first time the crowd became silent, as well as the presenter.

My onslaught continued for several minutes until I could hear the footsteps of the referee jumping on stage and running over to us; I simply continued battering his ugly face in.

“Royal Prep Representative. Do you forfeit?” the referee shouted kneeling down to his level.

“N-No-” even after this beating this guy refused to surrender. I felt a surge of light mana as he replied, but I shut him down again using the ice mana’s effects.

I faced the referee, “You have your answer. Now leave.” I could see him gulp as he stared at me in fear, not looking back he jumped off the stage.

A final punch was going to travel across the beaten boy’s face but my arm was gripped strongly by someone. I looked up at the figure shrouded in a silver coated armour.

“That’s enough.” the man spoke in a strict tone. He had blue eyes and blonde hair; for some reason this person looked familiar.

“What if I don’t?” I challenged the blonde soldier’s words.

“Then we’ll have to make you.” as he said that 10 more soldiers encircled us, coated in the same armoured attire; all having their swords and spears in their hands.

They were the King’s Royal Guards.

I cast my inspect skill on them and knew they were strong, their leader the blonde man was at level 76, while the others ranged from level 45-60. I was definitely not going to win, even if I used all my elements.

I nodded in understanding and got up from my position, I took a quick glance back at the bloodied royal, before following the soldiers off stage.

The crowd remained silent the whole way through.

“Simon, bring that wolf girl as well. King’s orders.” The blonde soldier ordered his subordinate and with swift motion he disappeared in search for Sara.

Why would the king want to meet us? Strange.

**

“Wait here.” as he said that, Sara came into view from the opposite end of the hallway. She looked scared and frail and most importantly tired. She still hadn’t recovered from all the wounds engraved into her skin.

We walked into the King’s room but just before I left, I met Malia’s big doe eyes watching me leave. She smiled at me, giving me a thumbs up.

The guards had left and only the three of us remained.

“Your majesty. It’s an honour to meet you. What can we amuse you with?” I questioned the King suspiciously as we came to a stop. He chuckled, turning to face Sara and I.

“Your majesty…” Sara started to grow concerned at the tension in the room.

The King’s face started to morph into a blur of pixelated shades of yellow and gold. The skin on his face began to fall off like it was sliced up by a carrot peeler. Sara screamed in shock, already in tears by the gruesome sight. His new shoulders started to bulk and popped out of his bony frame like the puss of a pimple. Every bone was heard, popping and cracking into place and the end result was an 18 year old, young looking boy, about 6″3. He cracked his neck around, adjusting himself before looking at me again.

“Zeref Amara, it’s an honour to finally meet you. I’ve been waiting to see you.”

“What did you do to the King?” I asked sternly, relaxing my posture with a cold expression.

“He is fine. He is on my side. Practically worships me.” the guy cockily smiled, copying my stance.

“Yh so what’s it have to do with me?” I rolled my eyes.

“I’m Blake Handmore. The light contestant.”